Deleting computer info to sell

[RONJON]

I am going to get rid of my computer and want to get all of my info off of it. I have a ton of favorites when you go to the internet like damn hundreds and hundreds..and you have to delete them one at a time..i need an easier way!

Any tips guys?

RJ

 

[J4CKT]

Favourites folder

All the favorites are stored in a folder, you can just delete the folder and that should get rid of them all.

Depending on what version of windows you have its in slightly different places.

Easiest way to find is go to windows search (hold down windows key and press F) and search 'favorites' this should show you where the folder is physically located.

 

[Flex2019]

Depending on how worried you are about someone getting your info, you will probably need to do more than just delete folders...you might look into some of various software programs that write and rewrite over disc sectors to truly erase your data. I would at least reformat the hard drive/reinstall the OS.
-Gordon

 

[Kaiser]

Delete the following:

Any personal files on the computer from my documents, or wherever you have them. Obviously back them up first.

Temporary Internet Files and Cookies via Internet Explorer

Open a command prompt and issue the following commands to delete temp files:

del "%userprofile%\local settings\temp\*.*" /s /q

Delete Favorite:

del "%userprofile%\favorites\*.* /s /q

Delete Systems Temp files:

del "%systemroot%\temp\*.*" /s /q

Right click Task Bar at the bottom of your desktop and select Properties.

Then click "Start Menu" tab, then Classic Start Menu, then Customize button. Click the "Clear" button on the next screen then click Ok all the way out of all dialogs.

Download "Eraser" from:

Eraser

Run Eraser, click On Demand, and erase "Unused Space". Use at least a 3X overwrite eraqse method. This will take hours probably so just let her rip.


Other route and recommended if you know how:

Format and reload operating system. Then download Eraser and do the same exact steps as to wiping free space.

 

[hawkmoon]

Call me paranoid, but I never unload a hard drive unless I DBAN it:
Darik's Boot And Nuke | Hard Drive Disk Wipe and Data Clearing

 

[Beerado4u]

Depending on how worried you are about someone getting your info, you will probably need to do more than just delete folders...you might look into some of various software programs that write and rewrite over disc sectors to truly erase your data. I would at least reformat the hard drive/reinstall the OS.
-Gordon

reinstall the OS. period

 

[Kaiser]

reinstall the OS. period

Sectors can still be brought back easily. You need to wipe sectors to erase data. Period.

 

[Nssca]

Just use a magnate that can lift 250lbs wave it over a few times and nothing will be left on the hard drive.

 

[Kaiser]

Just use a magnate that can lift 250lbs wave it over a few times and nothing will be left on the hard drive.

Thats true.

 

[eazy]

Re-install the OS. But if you are worried about people recovering your personal files do a low level format. www.hddgurus.com has a LLF utility.

 

[Kaiser]

Re-install the OS. But if you are worried about people recovering your personal files do a low level format. www.hddgurus.com has a LLF utility.

While very hard to recover from LLF, it is still possible because the bits are only written once. Files can still be recovered. If you absolutely need to erase data, a DoD wipe is the only solution.

 

[xxsuprman22xx]

like said b4, format then reinstall the OS

 

[Kaiser]

like said b4, format then reinstall the OS

Do you keep saying that over and over? I already replied to your post, as it WILL NOT erase data completely so it is not recoverable. If you are replying to Eazy's post, a low level format is a whole different animal then normal fomat.

 

[xxsuprman22xx]

Do you keep saying that over and over? I already replied to your post, as it WILL NOT erase data completely so it is not recoverable. If you are replying to Eazy's post, a low level format is a whole different animal then normal fomat.

haha no kaiser. its been said b4 in the thread. it seems as though he just wants a quick easy way to get his stuff off the comp. Didnt seem to worried about people bringing sectors back just removing favorites etc. thats what i would do personally so thats what i recomended. Im sure you do have more thorough techniques in doing this but thats not what it seemed like he was intrested in.